U.S. patent application number 15/178926 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-15 for techniques for product ordering using a home automation system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Vivint, Inc.. Invention is credited to Matthew J. Eyring, Jefferson H. Lyman.
Application Number | 20160364789 15/178926 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57517329 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160364789 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lyman; Jefferson H. ; et
al. |
December 15, 2016 |
TECHNIQUES FOR PRODUCT ORDERING USING A HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM
Abstract
Methods for product ordering relating to an automation system
are described. Exemplary methods may include receiving one or more
inputs, identifying one or more product order-related parameters,
receiving information related to a product order, determining
delivery data based at least in part on the information, and
initiating an automation system operation based at least in part on
the delivery data.
Inventors: |
Lyman; Jefferson H.;
(Alpine, UT) ; Eyring; Matthew J.; (Provo,
UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Vivint, Inc. |
Provo |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57517329 |
Appl. No.: |
15/178926 |
Filed: |
June 10, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62174360 |
Jun 11, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/083 20130101;
G06Q 30/0635 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/06 20060101
G06Q030/06; G06Q 10/08 20060101 G06Q010/08 |
Claims
1. A method for product ordering relating to an automation system,
comprising: receiving one or more inputs; identifying one or more
product order-related parameters; receiving information related to
a product order; determining delivery data based at least in part
on the information; and initiating an automation system operation
based at least in part on the delivery data.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: initiating a
notification to a user.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the notification comprises: at
least one of a date, a day of a week, a time, a location, a product
type, an estimated delivery date, or a combination thereof.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the notification comprises: a
reminder.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein the notification comprises: a
confirmation.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more inputs comprise:
user input.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more inputs comprise:
one or more time periods.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more inputs comprise:
image data.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more inputs comprise:
past order data.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more product
order-related parameters comprise: one or more user
preferences.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more product
order-related parameters comprise: a default product provider.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more product
order-related parameters comprise: default shipping
information.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the delivery data is based at
least in part one at least one of a date, a time, a deliverer,
weather information, occupancy information, product information, or
a combination thereof.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the automation system operation
comprises: actuating a lock.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the automation system operation
comprises: capturing image data.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the automation system operation
comprises: changing a position of a door.
17. An apparatus for security and/or automation systems,
comprising: a processor; memory in electronic communication with
the processor; and instructions stored in the memory, the
instructions being executable by the processor to: receive one or
more inputs; identify one or more product order-related parameters;
receive information related to a product order; determine delivery
data based at least in part on the information; and initiate an
automation system operation based at least in part on the delivery
data.
18. The apparatus of claim 19, the instructions further executable
by the processor to: initiate a notification to a user.
19. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing
computer-executable code, the code executable by a processor to:
receive one or more inputs; identify one or more product
order-related parameters; receive information related to a product
order; determine delivery data based at least in part on the
information; and initiate an automation system operation based at
least in part on the delivery data.
20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21,
wherein the code for receiving information related to the product
order is further executable by the processor to: automatically
generate one or more product orders based at least in part on at
least some of the one or more inputs.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/174,360, entitled "Techniques for Product
Ordering Using a Home Automation System", filed on Jun. 11, 2015,
the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure, for example, relates to security
and/or automation systems, and more particularly to ordering and/or
reordering methods and systems relating to consumer and/or other
products.
[0003] Security and automation systems are widely deployed to
provide various types of communication and functional features such
as monitoring, communication, notification, and/or others. These
systems may be capable of supporting communication with a user
through a communication connection or a system management
action.
[0004] The constant management and stocking of supplies in a home
or a business can be a difficult task requiring consistent
attention. The task may require several trips to various stores to
purchase needed supplies at different times. Consumers may forget
one or more items or, if a product is gone before the consumer is
able to buy more, the consumer may have to live without a product
for a period of time.
SUMMARY
[0005] As technology in the home continues to develop, home
automation systems have been created to perform tasks users would
otherwise need to perform. One such development relies on an
automation system that can facilitate product ordering and/or
detect when a product needs to be reordered using one or more
automation system components. Using many of the following methods,
an automation system would be able to facilitate, order, and/or
track a product required by a user, a group of users, and/or a
structure. An automation system can also perform operations
relating to the product delivery including initiating operations of
the structure and/or an automation system component.
[0006] The present systems and methods include, among other things,
methods and apparatuses related to receiving various inputs, such
as from a user via a control panel or an electronic device, and/or
via one or more sensors. In order to provide reliable operation,
the system may be configured to identify product information. The
system would then process the identified information in order to
place and/or facilitate an order requesting the product to be
delivered to the structure.
[0007] Methods for product ordering relating to an automation
system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods may include
receiving one or more inputs, identifying one or more product
order-related parameters, receiving information related to a
product order, determining delivery data based at least in part on
the information, and/or initiating an automation system operation
based at least in part on the delivery data.
[0008] In some embodiments, the methods may further include
initiating a notification to a user. In some embodiments, the
notification may include at least one of a date, a day of a week, a
time, a location, a product type, an estimated delivery date,
and/or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the notification
may include a reminder. In some embodiments, the notification may
include a confirmation.
[0009] In some embodiments, the one or more inputs may include user
input. In some embodiments, the one or more inputs may include
audible input. In some embodiments, the one or more inputs may
include one or more time periods. In some embodiments, the one or
more inputs may include image data. In some embodiments, the one or
more inputs may include past order data.
[0010] In some embodiments, the one or more product order-related
parameters may include one or more user preferences. In some
embodiments, the one or more product order-related parameters may
include a default product provider. In some embodiments, the one or
more product order-related parameters may include default shipping
information. In some embodiments, the delivery data may be based at
least in part one at least one of a date, a time, a deliverer,
weather information, occupancy information, product information,
and/or a combination thereof.
[0011] In some embodiments, the automation system operation may
include actuating a lock. In some embodiments, the automation
system operation may include capturing image data. In some
embodiments, the automation system operation may include changing a
position of a door. In some embodiments, the automation system
operation may include actuating a sensor.
[0012] Apparatuses for security and/or automation systems are
disclosed. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a
processor, memory in electronic communication with the processor,
and/or instructions stored in the memory. In some embodiments, the
instructions may be executable by the processor to receive one or
more inputs, identify one or more product order-related parameters,
receive information related to a product order, determine delivery
data based at least in part on the information, and/or initiate an
automation system operation based at least in part on the delivery
data. In some embodiments, the instructions may include initiating
a notification to a user.
[0013] Non-transitory computer readable mediums storing
computer-executable code are disclosed. In some embodiments, the
code may be executable by a processor to receive one or more
inputs, identify one or more product order-related parameters,
receive information related to a product order, determine delivery
data based at least in part on the information, and initiate an
automation system operation based at least in part on the delivery
data. In some embodiments, the computer-executable code may include
initiating a notification to a user.
[0014] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and
technical advantages of examples according to this disclosure so
that the following detailed description may be better understood.
Additional features and advantages will be described below. The
conception and specific examples disclosed may be readily utilized
as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying
out the same purposes of the present disclosure. Such equivalent
constructions do not depart from the scope of the appended claims.
Characteristics of the concepts disclosed herein--including their
organization and method of operation--together with associated
advantages will be better understood from the following description
when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. Each
of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and
description only, and not as a definition of the limits of the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the
present disclosure may be realized by reference to the following
drawings. In the appended figures, similar components or features
may have the same reference label. Further, various components of
the same type may be distinguished by following a first reference
label with a dash and a second label that may distinguish among the
similar components. However, features discussed for various
components--including those having a dash and a second reference
label--apply to other similar components. If only the first
reference label is used in the specification, the description is
applicable to any one of the similar components having the same
first reference label irrespective of the second reference
label.
[0016] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram relating to a security and/or
an automation system, in accordance with various aspects of this
disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an apparatus relating to a
security and/or an automation product ordering system, in
accordance with various aspects of this disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of an apparatus relating to a
security and/or an automation product ordering system, in
accordance with various aspects of this disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram relating to a security and/or
an automation system, in accordance with various aspects of this
disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of an apparatus relating to a
security and/or an automation system, in accordance with various
aspects of this disclosure
[0021] FIG. 6 shows a diagram of an apparatus relating to a
security and/or an automation system, in accordance with various
aspects of this disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method
relating to a security and/or an automation system, in accordance
with various aspects of this disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method
relating to a security and/or an automation system, in accordance
with various aspects of this disclosure; and
[0024] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method
relating to a security and/or an automation system, in accordance
with various aspects of this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] One of the major roles of technology has been to perform
tasks that people would otherwise need to perform. Through the use
of technology not only are tasks performed more efficiently, but
the burden on the user can be eliminated or greatly diminished.
Product ordering provides one example of a constant, burdensome
task, that is often easy to forget.
[0026] The proposed systems and methods relate, in some
embodiments, to a home automation system capable of searching,
detecting, and/or ordering (or facilitating ordering) products for
a consumer. The various systems, apparatuses, and/or methods may
use sensors, cameras, scales, timers, and/or user input to
recognize and/or predict when an item is needed to be replaced. The
various systems, apparatuses, and/or methods may create an order
and/or receive a confirmation from the user before sending the
order/request to a provider. Additionally or alternatively, the
various systems, apparatuses, and/or methods may automatically
order and/or reorder one or more products. During shipping, the
various systems, apparatuses, and/or methods may track the order
and provide the consumer with information regarding the estimated
time and date of arrival. Additionally or alternatively, the
various systems, apparatuses, and/or methods may initiate an
operation of an automation system component (e.g., a lock, a front
door, a garage door, etc.) based on information, such as the
delivery information and/or data, of the order/request.
[0027] The following description provides examples and is not
limiting of the scope, applicability, and/or examples set forth in
the claims. Changes may be made in the function and/or arrangement
of elements discussed without departing from the scope of the
disclosure. Various examples may omit, substitute, and/or add
various procedures and/or components as appropriate. For instance,
the methods described may be performed in an order different from
that described, and/or various steps may be added, omitted, and/or
combined. Also, features described with respect to some examples
may be combined in other examples.
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a communications system 100
in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. The
communications system 100 may include apparatuses 105, devices 115,
a network 130, and/or sensors 150. The network 130 may provide user
authentication, encryption, access authorization, tracking,
Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, calculation,
modification, and/or functions. The apparatuses 105 may interface
with the network 130 through a first set of wired and/or wireless
communication links 132 to communicate with one or more remote
servers 145. The apparatuses 105 may perform communication
configuration, adjustment, and/or scheduling for communication with
the devices 115, or may operate under the control of a controller.
In various examples, the apparatuses 105 may communicate--either
directly or indirectly (e.g., through network 130)--with each other
over a second set of wired and/or wireless communication links
134.
[0029] Apparatuses 105 may communicate with a back end server (such
as the remote servers 145)--directly and/or indirectly--using the
first set of one or more wired and/or wireless communication links
132.
[0030] The apparatuses 105 may wirelessly communicate with the
devices 115 via one or more antennas. Each of the apparatuses 105
may provide communication coverage for a respective geographic
coverage area 110. In some examples, apparatuses 105 may be
referred to as a control device, a control panel, a base
transceiver station, a radio base station, an access point, a radio
transceiver, or some other suitable terminology. The geographic
coverage area 110 for an apparatus 105 may be divided into sectors
making up only a portion of the coverage area. The communications
system 100 may include apparatuses 105 of different types. There
may be overlapping geographic coverage areas 110 for one or more
different parameters, including different technologies, features,
subscriber preferences, hardware, software, technology, and/or
methods. For example, each apparatus 105 may be related to one or
more discrete structures (e.g., a home, a business) and each of the
one more discrete structures may be related to one or more discrete
areas. In other examples, multiple apparatuses 105 may be related
to the same one or more discrete structures (e.g., multiple
apparatuses relating to a home and/or a business complex).
[0031] The devices 115 may be dispersed throughout the
communications system 100 and each device 115 may be stationary
and/or mobile. A device 115 may include a cellular phone, a
personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a wireless
communication device, a handheld device, a tablet computer, a
laptop computer, a cordless phone, a wireless local loop (WLL)
station, a display device (e.g., TVs, computer monitors, etc.), a
printer, a camera, a key fob, and/or the like. A device 115 may
also include or be referred to by those skilled in the art as a
user device, a smartphone, a BLUETOOTH.RTM. device, a Wi-Fi device,
a mobile station, a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber
unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless
device, a wireless communications device, a remote device, an
access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote
terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a client,
and/or some other suitable terminology.
[0032] The apparatuses 105 may wirelessly communicate with the
sensors 150 via one or more antennas. The sensors 150 may be
dispersed throughout the communications system 100 and each sensor
150 may be stationary and/or mobile. A sensor 150 may include
and/or be one or more sensors that sense: proximity, motion,
temperatures, humidity, sound level, smoke, structural features
(e.g., glass breaking, window position, door position), time, light
geo-location data of a user and/or a device, distance, biometrics,
weight, speed, height, size, shape, color, indicia, branding,
label, bar codes, preferences, light, darkness, weather, time,
system performance, and/or other inputs that relate to a security
and/or an automation system. A device 115 and/or a sensor 150 may
be able to communicate through one or more wired and/or wireless
connections with various components such as apparatuses, base
stations, and/or network equipment (e.g., servers, wireless
communication points, etc.) and/or the like.
[0033] The communication links 125 shown in communications system
100 may include uplink (UL) transmissions from a device 115 to an
apparatus 105, and/or downlink (DL) transmissions, from an
apparatus 105 to a device 115. The downlink transmissions may also
be called forward link transmissions while the uplink transmissions
may also be called reverse link transmissions. Each communication
link 125 may include one or more carriers, where each carrier may
be a signal made up of multiple sub-carriers (e.g., waveform
signals of different frequencies) modulated according to the
various radio technologies. Each modulated signal may be sent on a
different sub-carrier and may carry control information (e.g.,
reference signals, control channels, etc.), overhead information,
user data, etc. The communication links 125 may transmit
bidirectional communications and/or unidirectional communications.
Communication links 125 may include one or more connections,
including but not limited to, 345 MHz, Wi-Fi, BLUETOOTH.RTM.,
BLUETOOTH.RTM. Low Energy, cellular, Z-WAVE.RTM., 802.11,
peer-to-peer, LAN, WLAN, Ethernet, fire wire, fiber optic, and/or
other connection types related to security and/or automation
systems.
[0034] In some embodiments, one or more components of
communications system 100 may relate to and/or facilitate product
reordering systems, apparatuses, and/or methods. In some
embodiments, one or more sensors 150 and/or devices 115 may receive
one or more inputs from one or more sources (e.g., a user, a
structure, a product, an electronic database, another
communications system, one or more other components of
communications system 100, and/or some combination, among others).
These inputs may directly and/or indirectly relate to and/or
facilitate product ordering and/or reordering. In some embodiments,
these inputs may include, but are not limited to, information
relating to product usage, a product's status (e.g., full,
partially used, mostly used, completely used, etc.), information
relating to one or more users' usage pattern(s), information
relating to past and/or projected product orders (e.g., including
those relating to inputs and/or other information captures and/or
otherwise gathered by one or more components of communications
system 100), some combination, and/or other information.
[0035] In some embodiments, one or more communications system 100
components (e.g., apparatus 105, device 115) may receive one or
more inputs from one or more other components of communications
system 100 (including components within a different geographic
coverage area 110, within the same geographic coverage area 110, of
the same type, of a different type, some combination, and/or other
components). Based at least in part on these inputs and/or other
information and/or data, one or more components may perform one or
more operations and/or functions relating to product ordering. In
some embodiments, these operations and/or functions may include
identifying one or more product order-related parameters (which may
or may not be based at least in part on the received inputs). In
some embodiments, these operations and/or functions may include
receiving information related to a product order (which may
include, but are not limited to, generating a new product order
and/or referencing a past product order, relating to one or more
operations and/or functions performed by apparatus 105, device 115,
sensor 150, remote server 145, and/or another component of
communications system 100, some combination, and/or other
alternatives).
[0036] In some embodiments, these operations and/or functions may
include determining delivery data based at least in part on the
information (which may include referencing a current product order,
referencing occupancy data and/or information, referencing a past
product order, operations and/or functions performed by a
communications system 100 component, some combination, and/or other
things). In some embodiments, these operations and/or functions may
include generating a notification (to a user and/or a component of
communications system 100, among other things) relating to a
product order and may include actual delivery information, cost,
shipping entity, supplying entity, projected delivery information,
past order information, image inputs, audible inputs, user inputs,
some combination, and/or other alternatives.
[0037] In some embodiments, these operations and/or functions may
include initiating an automation system operation (via apparatus
105, device 115, sensor 150, remote server 145, another
communications system 100 component, some combination, and/or other
device) based at least in part on the determining and/or the
delivery data among other things. In some embodiments, based at
least in part on delivery information relating to a product order,
among other things, one or more components of communications system
100 may perform an operation relating to an automation system
component, including, but not limited to, opening a door,
activating an image device, actuating a lock, recording one or more
types of data, tracking movement and/or location, correlating
environmental and/or occupancy data and/or information, some
combination, and/or other operations.
[0038] In some embodiments, of communications system 100,
apparatuses 105 and/or devices 115 may include one or more antennas
for employing antenna diversity schemes to improve communication
quality and reliability between apparatuses 105 and devices 115.
Additionally or alternatively, apparatuses 105 and/or devices 115
may employ multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) techniques that
may take advantage of multi-path, mesh-type environments to
transmit multiple spatial layers carrying the same or different
coded data.
[0039] While the devices 115 may communicate with each other
through the apparatus 105 using communication links 125, each
device 115 may also communicate directly with one or more other
devices via one or more direct communication links 134. Two or more
devices 115 may communicate via a direct communication link 134
when both devices 115 are in the geographic coverage area 110 or
when one or neither devices 115 is within the geographic coverage
area 110. Examples of direct communication links 134 may include
Wi-Fi Direct, BLUETOOTH.RTM., wired, and/or, and other P2P group
connections. The devices 115 in these examples may communicate
according to the WLAN radio and baseband protocol including
physical and MAC layers from IEEE 802.11, and its various versions
including, but not limited to, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11a, 802.11n,
802.11ac, 802.11ad, 802.11ah, etc. In other implementations, other
peer-to-peer connections and/or ad hoc networks may be implemented
within communications system 100.
[0040] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram 200 of an apparatus 205 for use
in electronic communication, in accordance with various aspects of
this disclosure. The apparatus 205 may be an example of one or more
aspects of an apparatus 105 described with reference to FIG. 1,
among others. The apparatus 205 may include a receiver module 210,
an order module 215, and/or a transmitter module 220. The apparatus
205 may also be or include a processor. Each of these modules may
be in communication with each other--directly and/or
indirectly.
[0041] The components of the apparatus 205 may, individually or
collectively, be implemented using one or more application-specific
integrated circuits (ASICs) adapted to perform some or all of the
applicable functions in hardware. Additionally or alternatively,
the functions may be performed by one or more other processing
units (or cores), on one or more integrated circuits. In other
examples, other types of integrated circuits may be used (e.g.,
Structured/Platform ASICs, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs),
and other Semi-Custom ICs), which may be programmed in any manner
known in the art. The functions of each module may also be
implemented--in whole or in part--with instructions embodied in
memory formatted to be executed by one or more general and/or
application-specific processors.
[0042] The receiver module 210 may receive information such as
packets, user data, and/or control information associated with
various information channels (e.g., control channels, data
channels, etc.). The receiver module 210 may be configured to
and/or capable of receiving information through wired and/or
wireless connections from and/or relating to one or more components
of communications system 100, including but not limited to
apparatuses 105, devices 115, remote servers 145, sensors 150,
and/or information from apparatus 205 (including from another
module such as order module 215), among others. Information may be
passed on to the order module 215, the transmitter module 220,
and/or to other components and/or elements of the apparatus 205
and/or a system, such as communications system 100, among
others.
[0043] The order module 215 may perform one or more operations
relating to an apparatus, a device, and/or a remote server
(including, but not limited to, apparatus 205, device 115, remoter
server 145), that may be configured to, relate to, and/or capable
of performing one or more functions and/or operations relating to
one or more product orders and/or product ordering operations. The
operations, features, and methods relating to order module 215 may
be performed regardless of whether the system includes every
component and/or element disclosed. References to an apparatus 205
and/or an order module 215 (and variations) include all functions,
features, and capabilities disclosed with respect to other
apparatuses, remote servers, and devices, unless otherwise
specifically noted.
[0044] The transmitter module 220 may transmit the one or more
signals received from other components of the apparatus 205 and/or
other components of any system, such as communications system 100.
The transmitter module 220 may transmit information and/or data
relating to one or more inputs, parameters, order information,
delivery data, initiating operations, and/or other information
and/or data, among other things. In some embodiments, the
transmitter module 220 may be collocated with the receiver module
210 in a transceiver module. In other embodiments, the transmitter
module 220 may not be collocated with the receiver module 210 in a
transceiver module.
[0045] In some embodiments, the receiver module 210 and the
transmitter module 220 may communicate at least some information
and/or data directly between each other.
[0046] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram 300 of an apparatus 205-a for
use in product ordering operations, in accordance with various
examples. The apparatus 205-a may be an example of one or more
aspects of an apparatus 105 described with reference to FIG. 1,
among others. It may also be an example of an apparatus 205
described with reference to FIG. 2, among others. The apparatus
205-a may include a receiver module 210-a, an order module 215-a,
and/or a transmitter module 220-a, which may be examples of the
corresponding modules of apparatus 205. The apparatus 205-a may
also include a processor. Each of these components may be in
communication with each other, directly and/or indirectly. The
order module 215-a may include input module 305, identification
module 310, determination module 315, generation module 320,
tracker module 325, and/or initiation module 335, among others. The
receiver module 210-a and the transmitter module 220-a may perform
the functions of the receiver module 210 and the transmitter module
220, of FIG. 2, respectively, or may, in some embodiments, perform
additional and/or alternative functions.
[0047] The components of the apparatus 205-a may, individually or
collectively, be implemented using one or more application-specific
integrated circuits (ASICs) adapted to perform some or all of the
applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions may
be performed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on
one or more integrated circuits. In other examples, other types of
integrated circuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs,
Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), and other Semi-Custom ICs),
which may be programmed in any manner known in the art. The
functions of each module may also be implemented--in whole or in
part--with instructions embodied in memory formatted to be executed
by one or more general and/or application-specific processors.
[0048] In some embodiments, apparatus 205-a may include one or more
modules to perform one or more operations and/or functions. In some
embodiments, apparatus 205-a may include an input module 305. Input
module 305 may perform one or more operations and/or functions
relating to one or more inputs. In some embodiments, input module
305 may receive one or more various inputs such as data and/or
information. Examples of one or more inputs may include, but are
not limited to, user input, user characteristic input, audio input,
image input, video input, picture input, text input, voice input,
word input, instruction input, weight input, time input, numerical
input, bar code input, some combination, and/or other inputs. In
some embodiments, input module 305 may perform one or more
operations on one or more sets of input information and/or data.
These operations may include, but are not limited to, receiving,
analyzing, ordering, grouping, organizing, assembling, comparing,
determining one or more characteristics, identifying input type or
other information, related to one or more inputs. One or more
operations may be performed using a pre-programmed algorithm, a
dynamic algorithm based on updated and/or addition information such
as inputs (among other things), and/or some combination of these
algorithms, among others.
[0049] In some embodiments, at least some of the various inputs may
be captured and/or received by one or more devices (e.g., sensors
150, apparatuses 205, etc.) based on one or more characteristics,
including but not limited to motion, voice command, time,
proximity, user request, user verification, prompt by an automation
system, based on one or more specific actions relating to one or
more automation system components, some combination, and/or others.
In some embodiments, one or more operations relating to inputs may
be performed automatically based at least in part on one or more
criteria, one or more users' preferences, pre-determined system
preferences, a user profile setting, a default , a passage of time,
one or more sensor inputs, a user action relating to an electronic
device, a user action at a control panel, some combination, and/or
others.
[0050] In some embodiments, input module 305 may receive input data
from a local memory storage unit that is part of or separate from a
home automation system. In some embodiments, input module 305 may
receive input stored locally, stored on a remote server, and/or
stored based on a local area network that facilitates communication
and memory storage sharing between similarly-located home
automation systems. For example, input module 305 may receive one
or more types of data from a memory storage device positioned
within a structure, like a home. These types of data may include,
but are not limited to, user preferences, user profiles,
information relating to significant events, security features,
image data (e.g., photos, videos), combinations of these, and/or
other information. The input module 305 may receive this data
directly and/or indirectly from the memory storage device and,
based at least in part on this data, perform one or more operations
and/or functions relating to product ordering. For example, input
module 305 may receive image data of a significant event that was
captured on a certain day (e.g., a birthday, an anniversary). In
some embodiments, the system may, via an algorithm, analyze the
image data, extract relevant identifying characteristics and/or
product (among other things), prompt the user to order one or more
products relating to the significant event (or alternatively
automatically order a product based at least in part on one or more
setting) and/or one or more user's relating to the significant
event (e.g., pictured in the image data), among other things,
and/or initiate further order operations based on the image and/or
other data stored on the memory device.
[0051] In some embodiments, apparatus 205-a may include an
identification module 310. In some embodiments, identification
module 310 may perform one or more operations and/or functions
relating to one or more inputs, products, product orders,
parameters, characteristics, some combination, and/or other
information and/or data. In some embodiments, identification module
310 may utilize one or more algorithms to perform one or more
operations and/or functions relating to one or more different types
of data, including, but not limited to order-related parameters. In
some embodiments, examples of such parameters may include one or
more types, of past, present, and/or future order information, such
as pricing, data, dates, products, brands, quantity, frequency,
supplying entities (e.g., Wal-Mart, Target, online retailers),
shipping preferences, shipping practices, shipping costs, shipping
time, current supply, projected time of need, importance of a
product (e.g., a necessity product vs. a comfort product), product
availability, some combination, and/or other information and/or
data. In some embodiments, one or more default parameters or
characteristics may be identified based at least in part on user
choice, user preferences, system operations, system determinations
relating to price and/or other information, projected shipping
arrival, proximity to a structure and/or a user, shipping time,
product origin (e.g., a certain state and/or region).
[0052] In some embodiments, order module 215-a may include a
determination module 315. Determination module 315 may perform one
or more operations and/or functions relating to one or more inputs,
identification, product parameters, product orders, notifications,
operations, initiations, and/or other actions, among others.
Determination module 315 may determine data and/or other
information relating to one or more product orders, including, but
not limited to, past and/or current product orders. For example, in
some embodiments, determination module 315 may perform one or more
operations relating to delivery data.
[0053] These operations may include, but are not limited to,
receiving, analyzing, ordering, grouping, determining one or more
characteristics, identifying input type or other information,
related to one or more inputs, some combination, and/or other
operations. One or more operations may be performed using a
pre-programmed algorithm, a dynamic algorithm based on updated
and/or addition information such as inputs, and/or some combination
of these algorithms, among others. For example, determination
module 315 may determine a projected delivery date, time, carrier,
package size, weight, relation to other deliveries at and/or near
the same structure, relation to past occupancy data, relation to
projected occupancy data correlated with one or more pieces of
delivery information, some combination, and/or other
information.
[0054] In some embodiments, order module 215-a may include a
generation module 320. Generation module 320 may perform one or
more operations and/or functions relating to one or more inputs,
parameters, orders, notifications, some combination, and/or other
information and/or data. In some embodiments, generation module may
perform one or more steps of an algorithm. In some embodiments, the
one or more steps may be based at least in part on information
received from and/or actions performed by one or more other
modules, including modules 305-315 and 325-330, among others.
[0055] In some embodiments, generation module 320 may generate a
new product order based at least in part on one or more inputs
relating to input module 305, based at least in part on one or more
identifications performed by identification module 310, based at
least in part on one or more determinations performed by
determination module 315, and/or other operations performed by
other modules. In some embodiments, a new product order may be
based at least in part on other actions performed by other modules,
other actions performed by generation module 320, constraints
related to shipping, products, user location, user preferences,
etc., past orders information and/or data, user actions relating to
one or more past orders of the same and/or a different products,
some combination, and/or other information and/or data.
[0056] In some embodiments, generation module 320 may generate a
notification. In some embodiments, this notification may be related
to actions and/or functions relating to one or more other modules,
including but not limited to tracker module 325, initiation module
330, determination module 315, some combination, and/or others. In
some embodiments, generation module 320 may generate a notification
that is communicated to a user via text on a device, a control
panel, projected on a structure surface, a smartphone, a wearable
device, via glasses, via audio notification in a structure, a car,
a voicemail, a certain tone, a certain sound pattern, via a tactile
reminder, including a specific pattern, some combination of these,
and/or other things.
[0057] In some embodiments, generation module 320 may generate a
notification that may include at least one of a date, a day of a
week, a time, a location, a product type, an estimated delivery
date, some combination, and/or other information and/or data. In
some embodiments, generation module 320 may generate a reminder,
that may relate to one or more of an input, an identification, a
determination, an order related parameter, a characteristic,
tracking information and/or data, operation initiations, a request
for user input, a default action and/or function, a time period,
some combination, and/or other information. In some embodiments,
generation module 320 may generate a confirmation, that may relate
to one or more of an input, an identification, a determination, an
order related parameter, a characteristic, tracking information
and/or data, operation initiations, a request for user input, a
default action and/or function, a time period, some combination,
and/or other information.
[0058] In some embodiments, order module 215-a may include a
tracker module 325. Tracker module 325 may perform one or more
operations and/or functions relating to one or more inputs,
identification, product parameters, product orders, notifications,
operations, initiations, user locations, and/or other actions,
among others. Tracker module 325 may track, analyze, calculate,
determine data and/or other information relating to one or more
product orders, including, but not limited to, past and/or current
product orders. For example, in some embodiments, tracker module
325 may perform one or more operations relating to delivery data,
including tracking the location and projected delivery date of one
or more products, the location of one or more users at a certain
time, past location data relating to one or more users, relative
location of a user to one or more locations such as a specific
structure, some combination, and/or other information and/or
data.
[0059] These operations may include, but are not limited to,
receiving, analyzing, calculating, correlating, comparing,
associating, linking, determining one or more characteristics,
parameters, data, locations, some combination, and/or other
information and/or data. One or more operations may be performed
using a pre-programmed algorithm, a dynamic algorithm based on
updated and/or addition information such as inputs, and/or some
combination of these algorithms, among others. For example, tracker
module 325 may track a product order delivery and/or a user
location, including projected delivery date, time, carrier, package
size, weight, relation to other deliveries at and/or near the same
structure, relation to past occupancy data, relation to projected
occupancy data correlated with one or more pieces of delivery
information, GPS location data, facial recognition data at one or
more locations, user location based on a device location, some
combination, and/or other information.
[0060] In some embodiments, order module 215-a may include an
initiation module 330. Initiation module 330 may perform one or
more operations and/or functions relating to one or more inputs,
identifications, product parameters, product orders, notifications,
operations, tracking function, user locations, some combination,
and/or other actions. Initiation module 330 may initiate one or
more operations relating to input collecting, input analysis, other
operations relating input, identification operations, determination
operations, generation operations, tracking operations, and/or
other functions. For example, in some embodiments, initiation
module 330 may perform one or more operations relating to an
automation system, including initiating an automation component
and/or system operation. In some embodiments, these automation
components and/or system operations may include, but are not
limited to, initiating an activation, a deactivation, an analysis,
an actuating, a status change, capturing data and/or information,
recording, changing, modifying, adjusting, an operation relating to
one or more inputs, some combination, and/or other operations. In
some embodiments, these operations may relate to and/or be
performed on one or more automation components, a door, a window, a
sensor, a barrier, a lock, an alarm, a camera, a doorbell unit, a
powered faceplate, a sensor, a smartphone, a control panel, a
remote server, a remote memory storage, some combination, and/or
other things In some embodiments, the initiation may be based at
least in part on product order-related information. In some
embodiments, the initiation may be based at least in part on
delivery-related information, including but not limited to date,
day of the week, time, size of the package, delivery company,
occupancy of a structure, actual user location, projected user
location, weather, environmental parameters, some combination,
and/or other information and/or data.
[0061] In some embodiments, modules 305-330 may be located within
one device such as a user's electronic device, a control panel,
and/or a remote server, among others. In other embodiments, some of
modules 305-330 may be located within a first device (e.g., a
control panel) while other of modules 305-330 may be located within
a second device (e.g., a smartphone, a remote server).
[0062] In some embodiments, input module 305 may receive audio
data. In some embodiments, input module 305 may act as, use, and/or
be a microphone and/or another sound-related device. For example, a
user wanting to order a product or learn information about a past
product order may speak into a speaker, either located in a room,
in a specific area of a room, at a control panel, via an electronic
device, some combination, and/or other methods. In some
embodiments, the user may provide user input, such as a voice
command, to order a product. Information and/or data relating to
the user input and/or product order may then be transmitted to one
or more devices, such as the apparatus, to have one or more
functions and/or algorithms performed. Once the input, information,
and/or data has been processed by the apparatus and/or some other
device that may include the use of the automated system, one or
more components can confirm that the processed order is correct
and/or accurate based at least in part on a communication with the
user and/or a comparison with product order information, among
other things. This confirmation may be performed via one or more
notifications, messages, alerts, etc.
[0063] In some embodiments, the input module 305 may include
various functions, including those associated with a mobile device
and/or a control panel. For example, a user wanting to order a
product may initiate an order by selecting a product using a mobile
device via manually selecting the product, via voice command,
capturing image data relating to a product, some combination,
and/or other information and/or date. In some embodiments, the
mobile device and/or the control panel will transmit the order to
another apparatus to perform one or more functions (including order
finalizing, processing, shipping, etc.) and/or will perform one or
more functions at the component(s) themselves.
[0064] In some embodiments, the input module 305 may act as, use,
and/or be a designated electronic button or electronic application.
For example, a user may have need of frequently ordering a specific
product (e.g., laundry detergent, candy, movies, clothing, diapers,
food products, toiletries, etc.), a designated electronic button,
electronic application, and/or electronic symbol can be positioned
on a commonly used electronic device such as a control panel, a
wearable device, and/or a smartphone. In some embodiments, the
designated electronic button could be placed in an area where the
product is frequently used (e.g., near a kitchen, near a bathroom,
near a bedroom) or on a mobile device related to a specific user
(e.g., a smartphone, a watch, a wearable fitness-related device, a
key fob). When a user detects that the product needs to be replaced
or reordered (either before or after the product is entirely gone)
the user can activate the electronic application, which in turn
will transmit the order to another apparatus to be processed (e.g.,
finalizing, processing, shipping) and/or may be processed by the
device having the electronic application itself. In some
embodiments, the designated electronic button or electronic
application may process an order without additional input, from a
user and/or other input.
[0065] For example, activating the electronic application may
select a default providing entity (e.g., Target), brand (name-brand
vs. store brand), quantity (based on one or more past orders and/or
a user selection), shipping information (e.g., cost, shipping
entity, time to shipping, time to delivery, delivery requirements
such as signature, packaging, some combination, other information,
etc.), some combination, and/or other information and/or data. Such
defaults may be user related, system related, product related,
and/or providing entity related, among other things
[0066] For example, a user may request, select, designate, and/or
otherwise choose to always order diapers from one retailer but
order paper towels from another retailer. As another example, a
user may request, select, designate, and/or otherwise choose to
always order one category of items (e.g., food items) from one
retailer but another category of items (e.g., clothing, toiletries)
from another retailer. In some embodiments, user related
information may be based on a series of questions based on
different options (providing specific retailers to choose from,
most important factors such as price, shipping speed, quality,
etc., some combination of these, and/or other information among
others), past order history (relating to the same, related, and/or
different products), some combination, and/or other information. In
some embodiments, a system may have certain defaults based on
pre-selected characteristics, operating parameters, etc. In some
embodiments, one or more defaults may be selected based at least in
part on the product and/or the providing entity. For example, a
more perishable food product may have a designated shipping methods
of a projected 2-day-shipping, where clothing or other products may
have a designated characteristic of 5-day-shipping. Or, in some
embodiments, an entity may use next day shipping for certain
customers and/or products at the entity's election.
[0067] In some embodiments, order module 215 may perform different
operations based on one or more inputs relating to a designated
electronic button, among other things In some embodiments, order
module 215 may perform different operations based on certain input
types and/or the input itself. For example, order module 215 may
automatically initiate an immediate order based on different types
of user input, including but not limited to varying tactile input
(e.g., single tapping, tap and hold, multiple taps on a touch
screen), varying audible and/or written input (e.g., including
identifying key words, items that may by default be more or less
important, items that may be needed by a certain date, etc.), some
combination, and/or other information and/or data.
[0068] In some embodiments, at least some, if not all, of the
defaults, characteristics and other parameters relating to one or
more orders may be modified and/or adjusted based on order
circumstances, user preferences, user need, product
characteristics, etc.
[0069] In some embodiments, the order module 215-a (including but
not limited to identification module 310) may act as, use, and/or
be a video recorder, a digital camera, a scanner, a scale, and/or
as a timer. The order module 215-a and/or an associated device may
be located in and/or related to a structure (e.g., a home, a
business). The order module 215-a may be programmed to detect and
monitor the use of a product using one or more algorithms The
camera may be capable of identifying a product and/or a user using
image recognition technology, bar code recognition, weight
recognition technology (based on a projected, calculated, and/or
actual weight of a product to determine usage characteristics and
other product order information), facial recognition technology,
elapsed time (based at least in part on product purchase date,
expiration date, product usage, elapsed time since a prior order,
elapsed time between multiple prior orders), some combination,
and/or other characteristics.
[0070] In some embodiments, the order module 215-a may detect one
or more characteristics relating to a product (alone or in
combination with one or more other automation system components,
such as sensors). Such characteristics may include frequency of
use, identifying user's use, calculating expected product life,
correlating product characteristics with use, projecting a day of
product expiration and/or total use, product reordering related to
one or more parameters, past ordering of the same products, past
ordering relating to companion and/or linked products, past orders
from a similar providing entity, past ordering information of
products ordered at the same time, some combination, and/or other
information.
[0071] For example, a user may set a reoccurring order on a daily,
weekly, monthly, and/or a yearly basis (and/or another basis that
may or may not be time-based) using the input module 305, or some
other module of order module 215-a and/or another component.
Alternatively and/or additionally, in some embodiments, one or more
components may perform product ordering automatically based on data
relating to past product ordering, user behavior, one or more
inputs, audible and/or written cues from a user to the system
and/or to another user, audible and/or written requests to the
system and/or to another user, based on the user's response or lack
thereof due to a notification and/or other communication, occupancy
data, behavioral patterns, one or more user preferences and/or
profile settings, some combination, and/or other information and/or
data. The determination module 315, or some other module of order
module 215-a and/or another component, can process the information
received from the input module 305 and determine when to reorder a
product and may use the generation module 320 to generate a new
product order (or alternatively and/or additionally may receive a
new product order from a separate device itself, such as a remote
server 145).
[0072] In some embodiments, upon receiving a confirmation from a
user, the generation module 320 may act as an ordering unit. The
generation module 320 may order a product for the user and
generates one or more notification for the user and/or a delivery
person. Once an order has been generated, in some embodiments, the
tracker module 325 may create a multi-media message for the user,
such as an email, a text message, a push notification, an audible
recording, a message displayed on a control panel, some
combination, and/or other information and/or data. The message may
include estimated day and time of product delivery, location of
product in route to users home, delay of product delivery, some
combination, and/or other information and/or data.
[0073] FIG. 4 shows a system 400 for use in product ordering and/or
reordering systems, in accordance with various examples. System 400
may include an apparatus 205-b, which may be an example of the
apparatuses 105 of FIG. 1, among others. Apparatus 205-b may also
be an example of one or more aspects of apparatuses 205 and/or
205-a of FIGS. 2 and 3, among others.
[0074] Apparatus 205-b may include order module 215-b, which may be
an example of order module 215 described with reference to FIGS. 2
and 3, among others. In some embodiments, the terms an apparatus, a
control panel, and/or a control device are used synonymously,
unless otherwise specifically noted.
[0075] Apparatus 205-b may also include components for
bi-directional voice and data communications including components
for transmitting communications and components for receiving
communications. For example, apparatus 205-b may communicate
bi-directionally with one or more of device 115-a, one or more
sensors 150-a, remote storage 140, and/or remote server 145-a,
which may be an example of the remote server of FIG. 1. This
bi-directional communication may be direct (e.g., apparatus 205-b
communicating directly with remote storage 140) or indirect (e.g.,
apparatus 205-b communicating indirectly with remote server 145-a
through remote storage 140).
[0076] The order module 215-b may perform one or more operations
relating to data and/or information for product ordering and/or
reordering that, in at least some embodiments, relates to home
automation system components, functions, and/or capabilities.
Product ordering and/or reordering may be based at least in part on
one or more inputs, identifications, determinations, generations,
tracking functions, initiations, operations, and/or other automatic
and/or automated functions, some combination, and/or others as
described above with reference to FIGS. 1-3 or as evident from this
disclosure. For example, order module 215-b may receive one or more
inputs; may perform one or more operations, functions, and/or
algorithms relating to at least one of the one or more inputs; may
identify one or more product order parameters including, but not
limited to, default entities and/or products, default conditions,
default user preferences, selected entities and/or products,
selected conditions, selected user preferences, and/or some
combination of these, among others; may receive information
relating to a product order including, but not limited to,
generating and/or identifying a new order, identifying and/or
analyzing an existing pending order, identifying and/or analyzing a
past order in a history, and/or some combination of these, among
others; may determine one or more pieces of data and/or information
relating to a product order, including, but not limited to,
delivery information and/or data, shipping information and/or data,
identifying information and/or data, and/or other information
and/or data, and/or some combination of these, among others; and/or
may initiate an automation system operation based at least in part
on other operations, functions, algorithm steps, information, data,
and/or some combination of these, among others, including but not
limited to delivery information and/or data.
[0077] Apparatus 205-b may also include a processor module 405, and
memory 410 (including software/firmware code (SW) 415), an
input/output (I/O) controller module 420, a user interface module
425, a transceiver module 430, and one or more antennas 435 each of
which may communicate--directly or indirectly--with one another
(e.g., via one or more buses 440). The transceiver module 430 may
communicate bi-directionally--via the one or more antennas 435,
wired links, and/or wireless links--with one or more networks or
remote devices as described above. For example, the transceiver
module 430 may communicate bi-directionally with one or more of
device 115-a, remote storage 140, and/or remote server 145-a. The
transceiver module 430 may include a modem to modulate the packets
and provide the modulated packets to the one or more antennas 435
for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the one
or more antenna 435. While an apparatus or a control device (e.g.,
205-b) may include a single antenna 435, the apparatus or the
control device may also have multiple antennas 435 capable of
concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wired and/or
wireless transmissions. In some embodiments, one element of
apparatus 205-b (e.g., one or more antennas 435, transceiver module
430, etc.) may provide a direct connection to a remote server 145-a
via a direct network link to the Internet via a point of presence
(POP). In some embodiments, one element of apparatus 205-b (e.g.,
one or more antennas 435, transceiver module 430, etc.) may provide
a connection using wireless techniques, including digital cellular
telephone connection, Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD)
connection, digital satellite data connection, and/or another
connection.
[0078] The signals associated with system 400 may include wireless
communication signals such as radio frequency, electromagnetics,
local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), virtual private
network (VPN), wireless network (using 802.11, for example), 345
MHz, Z-WAVE.RTM., cellular network (using 3G and/or LTE, for
example), and/or other signals. The one or more antennas 435 and/or
transceiver module 430 may include or be related to, but are not
limited to, WWAN (GSM, CDMA, and WCDMA), WLAN (including
BLUETOOTH.RTM. and Wi-Fi), WMAN (WiMAX), antennas for mobile
communications, antennas for Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN)
applications (including RFID and UWB). In some embodiments, each
antenna 435 may receive signals or information specific and/or
exclusive to itself. In other embodiments, each antenna 435 may
receive signals or information not specific or exclusive to
itself.
[0079] In some embodiments, one or more sensors 150-a (e.g.,
motion, proximity, smoke, light, glass break, door, window, carbon
monoxide, and/or another sensor) may connect to some element of
system 400 via a network using one or more wired and/or wireless
connections.
[0080] In some embodiments, the user interface module 425 may
include an audio device, such as an external speaker system, an
external display device such as a display screen, and/or an input
device (e.g., remote control device interfaced with the user
interface module 425 directly and/or through I/O controller module
420).
[0081] One or more buses 440 may allow data communication between
one or more elements of apparatus 205-b (e.g., processor module
405, memory 410, I/O controller module 420, user interface module
425, etc.).
[0082] The memory 410 may include random access memory (RAM), read
only memory (ROM), flash RAM, and/or other types. The memory 410
may store computer-readable, computer-executable software/firmware
code 415 including instructions that, when executed, cause the
processor module 405 to perform various functions described in this
disclosure (e.g., receiving and/or utilizing one or more inputs,
identifying one or more order-related parameters, receiving and/or
generating one or more product orders, determining information
and/or data related to one or more product orders, users, and/or
other information, determining data relating to a product order,
and/or initiating an automation system operation based at least in
part on other information and/or data, etc.). Alternatively or
additionally, the software/firmware code 415 may not be directly
executable by the processor module 405 but may cause a computer
(e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described
herein. Alternatively or additionally, the computer-readable,
computer-executable software/firmware code 415 may not be directly
executable by the processor module 405 but may be configured to
cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform
functions described herein. The processor module 405 may include an
intelligent hardware device, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU),
a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit
(ASIC), etc.
[0083] In some embodiments, the memory 410 can contain, among other
things, the Basic Input-Output system (BIOS) which may control
basic hardware and/or software operation such as the interaction
with peripheral components or devices. For example, the order
module 215-b to implement the present systems and methods may be
stored within the memory 410. Applications resident with system 400
are, for example, stored on and accessed via a non-transitory
computer readable medium, such as a hard disk drive or other
storage medium. Alternatively or additionally, applications can be
in the form of electronic signals modulated in accordance with the
application and data communication technology when accessed via a
network interface (e.g., transceiver module 430, one or more
antennas 435, etc.).
[0084] Many other devices and/or subsystems may be connected to one
or may be included as one or more elements of system 400 (e.g.,
entertainment system, computing device, remote cameras, wireless
key fob, wall mounted user interface device, cell radio module,
battery, alarm siren, door lock, lighting system, thermostat, home
appliance monitor, utility equipment monitor, and so on). In some
embodiments, all of the elements shown in FIG. 4 need not be
present to practice the present systems and methods. The devices
and subsystems can be interconnected in different ways from that
shown in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, an aspect of some operation
of a system, such as that shown in FIG. 4, may be readily known in
the art and are not discussed in detail in this application. Code
to implement the present disclosure can be stored in a
non-transitory computer-readable medium such as one or more of
memory 410 or other memory. The operating system provided on I/O
controller module 420 may be iOS.RTM., ANDROID.RTM., MS-DOS.RTM.,
MS-WINDOWS.RTM., OS/2.RTM., UNIX.RTM., LINUX.RTM., or another known
operating system.
[0085] The transceiver module 430 may include a modem configured to
modulate the packets and provide the modulated packets to the
antennas 435 for transmission and/or to demodulate packets received
from the antennas 435. While the apparatus or control device (e.g.,
205-b) may include a single antenna 435, the apparatus or control
device (e.g., 205-b) may have multiple antennas 435 capable of
concurrently transmitting and/or receiving multiple wireless
transmissions.
[0086] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a system 500 in accordance
with various aspects of the disclosure. The system 500 may include
apparatus 205-c, device 115-c, sensor 150-a, remote server 145-b,
one or more devices within geographic coverage area 110-a, network
130, and/or other components. In some embodiments, at least some of
these one or more components may communicate with each other using
similar, different, exactly the same, and/or other variations of
different signals.
[0087] In some embodiments, apparatus 205-c may communicate
directly and/or indirectly with other devices via wired and/or
wireless connections. Indirect communication may include
communicating with one or more devices via network 130.
Additionally and/or alternatively, indirect communication may
include communicating with one device through another device. For
example, apparatus 205-c may communicate with sensor 150-a through
device 115-c. In some embodiments, this indirect communication may
be facilitated by, performed by, routed through, and/or another
operation relating to order module 215-c, 215-d, and/or 215-e,
among other modules. In some embodiments, each apparatus 205 may be
able to and/or configured to communicate with one or more other
devices.
[0088] In some embodiments, apparatus 205, sensors 150, devices
115, and/or other components may communicate with other similar
and/or other different components that may be separated by a
distance. Then, in some embodiments, after a certain parameter,
threshold, limit, and/or other constraint is met (e.g., the number
of components communicating, a calculated distance from an origin
components to another component, etc.), that powered faceplate
device may communicate with a certain component with certain
capabilities, such as storage, analysis, identifying,
determination, data capture, operation initiation, etc. In some
embodiments, an apparatus 205 may not require all and/or any of the
elements of an order module 215 to function and/or may function
based on one or elements of data and/or information, including
different modules. As another example, apparatus 205-c may
communicate with remote server 145-b through one or more devices
within geographic coverage area 110-a.
[0089] In some embodiments, one or more apparatuses 205-c may
receive, capture, store, and/or otherwise control input data, among
other things This input data, in some embodiments, may be
transmitted to a remote server 145-b directly and/or indirectly to
have one or more operations and/or functions performed. Following
performance of these operations and/or functions (including, but
not limited to those discussed for all of modules 305-330), the
remote server 145-b may transmit information (including but not
limited to instructions, product order-related information,
initiation signals, operation requests, some combination, and/or
other information) to the same apparatus 205-c and/or to another
apparatus 205-c. In some embodiments, remote server 145-b may
include an order module 215 and may perform one, some, and/or all
of the functions and/or operations of the modules of order module
215.
[0090] In some embodiments, one or more sensors 150 may receive,
capture, and/or otherwise possess input data among other things
This input data, in some embodiments, may be transmitted to a
remote server 145-b directly and/or indirectly to have one or more
operations and/or functions performed. Following performance of
these operations and/or functions (including, but not limited to
those discussed for all of modules 305-330), the remote server
145-b may transmit information (including but not limited to
instructions, product order-related information, initiation
signals, operation requests, some combination, and/or other
information) to the same one or more sensors 150, one or more other
sensors 150, another apparatus 205-c, some combination, and/or
other components and/or elements.
[0091] In some embodiments, network 130 may comprise a wireless
network only. In some embodiments, network 130 may comprise a wired
network only. In some embodiments, network 130 may comprise a
wireless and a wired network, where some components use at least a
wired connection and some components use at least a wireless
connection. In some embodiments, network 130 may comprise a
wireless and a wired network, where some components use only a
wired connection and some components use only a wireless
connection.
[0092] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a system 600 in accordance
with various aspects of the disclosure. The system 600 may include
apparatus 205-d, device 115-d, units 605-630, sensors 150, remote
server 145-b, one or more devices within geographic coverage area
110-a, network 130, and/or other components. In some embodiments,
at least some of these one or more components may communicate with
each other using similar, different, exactly the same, and/or other
variations of different signals.
[0093] In some embodiments, structure 660 may include one or more
entrance points (e.g., 645, 650, 655) that have one or more
characteristics. These entrance points may incorporate one or more
sensors 150, may include one or more covering that can be actuated
(e.g., a door, an opening that can be opened by a user and/or by a
mechanical means including but not limited to by components of an
automation system and/or another structure features), a securing
fastener (e.g., a lock), a sensor, one or more other automation
system components, some combination, and/or other characteristics.
In some embodiments, each of units 605-630 may include one or more
sensors, devices, components, apparatuses, and/or other devices. In
some embodiments, each of units 605-630 may include one or more
sensors that may measure, detect, process, capture, analyze,
measure, calculate, determine, activate, identify, and/or track one
or more elements of information and/or data. In some embodiments,
each of units 605-630 may include the same capabilities (e.g., may
be able to capture image and/or video data). In other embodiments,
at least some of units 605-630 may include different capabilities.
For example, fifth unit 630 may include measuring weight of an
object 635 in area 640 based on one or more weight sensors, while
second unit 610 may include capturing image data based at least in
part on a location of object 635 in an area 640 relating to a first
distance (A) and first unit may include scanning a barcode based on
a location of object 635 in an area 640 relating to a second
distance (B).
[0094] In some embodiments, one or more operations relating to
order module 215-d may include performing one or more operations
relating to different input and/or data relating to object 635 with
other data and/or information. This other data and/or information
may be stored on and/or relate to a remote server, a local storage
device, the Internet including a world wide web page, a user's
personal photos, social media photos and/or profile information,
some combination, and/or other information. In some embodiments, at
least one component of a system (e.g., communications system 100,
system 600) may receive input relating to one or more objects 635,
and at least one component (the same and/or different) may compare,
correlate, analyze, associate link, measure, evaluate, balance,
assess, determine, identify, and/or otherwise relate the input
relating to one or more objects with other inputs, data, and/or
information. In some embodiments, these operations may be based at
least in part on color, shape, texture, identifying information,
numerical information, bar code information, patterns, material,
some combination, and/or other information.
[0095] In some embodiments, area 640 may be designated to relate to
products that require a reorder (based on being entirely used,
mostly used, half used, a qualitative use determination, a
quantitative use determination, 50% used, 75% used, 100% used,
having, only a limited supply left, a limited time period before
expiration, a limited time period before spoiling, any combination,
etc.). A user may place a product container, packaging, and/or
product itself in an area 640, and one or more components of a
system (such as an apparatus 205-d) may perform and/or otherwise
facilitate a product reorder. In some embodiments, this reordering
may be based at least in part on performing one or more operations,
including but not limited to comparing, correlating, analyzing,
associating, linking, measuring, evaluating, balancing, assessing,
determining, identifying, and/or otherwise relating the input
relating to one or more objects with other inputs, data, and/or
information stored on and/or relating to a remote server, a local
storage device, the Internet including a world wide web page, a
user's personal photos, social media photos and/or profile
information, some combination, and/or other information.
[0096] In some embodiments, area 640 may be determined based on one
or more system components and/or capabilities, including, but not
limited to, system component location, sensors, distance, height,
position, relation to other system components, unit
characteristics, spatial relationship to one or more entrance
points, spatial relationship to one or more appliance and/or other
electronic devices, spatial relationship to one or more rooms
and/or room sectors, spatial relationship to one or more user's 601
position, some combination, and/or other information and/or data.
In some embodiments, area 640 may be selected by a user based on a
user preference, a more or a less accessible area, a central
location, location relating to one or more sensors including
specific types of sensors, occupancy trends and/or patterns, some
combination, and/or other information and/or data.
[0097] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating examples of a method 700
for product ordering relating to a home automation system, in
accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For
clarity, the method 700 is described below with reference to
aspects of one or more of the apparatuses 105, described with
reference to FIG. 1 and others, apparatuses 205 and/or 205-a
described with references to FIGS. 2 and 3, among others, and/or
aspects of one or more of the order modules described with
reference to FIGS. 2-4, among others. In some examples, an
apparatus may execute one or more sets of codes to control the
functional elements of one or more of the same and/or different
apparatuses (including, but not limited to one or more automation
system components) to perform some and/or all of the functions
described below. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus 205
and/or 205-a may perform one or more of the functions described
below using special-purpose hardware.
[0098] At block 705, the method 700 may include receiving one or
more inputs. At block 710, the method 700 may include identifying
one or more product order-related parameters. At block 715, the
method 700 may include receiving information related to a product
order. At block 720, the method 700 may include determining
delivery data based at least in part on the information. At block
725, the method 700 may include initiating an automation system
operation based at least in part on the delivery data. In some
embodiments, each and/or some of these operations may be the same
as, similar to, and/or different from that described with respect
to other figures and/or other embodiments in this disclosure.
[0099] The operation(s) at blocks 705-725 may be performed using
the order module 215 and/or 215-a and/or variations described with
reference to FIGS. 1-6, among others.
[0100] Thus, the method 700 may provide for product ordering
functions and operations relating to automation/security systems.
It should be noted that the method 700 is just one implementation
and that the operations of the method 700 may be rearranged or
otherwise modified such that other implementations are
possible.
[0101] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating examples of a method 800
for product ordering relating to a home automation system, in
accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For
clarity, the method 800 is described below with reference to
aspects of one or more of the apparatuses 105, described with
reference to FIG. 1 and others, apparatuses 205 and/or 205-a
described with references to FIGS. 2 and 3, and others, and/or
aspects of one or more of the order modules described with
reference to FIGS. 2-4 and others. In some examples, an apparatus
may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional
elements of one or more of the same and/or different apparatuses
(including, but not limited to one or more automation system
components) to perform some and/or all of the functions described
below. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus 205 and/or
205-a may perform one or more of the functions described below
using special-purpose hardware.
[0102] At block 805, the method 800 may include receiving one or
more inputs. At block 810, the method 800 may include identifying
one or more user preferences. At block 815, the method 800 may
include receiving information related to a product order. At block
820, the method 800 may include determining delivery data based at
least in part on the information. At block 825, the method 700 may
include initiating an automation system operation such as
initiating a notification to a user. In some embodiments, each
and/or some of these operations may be the same as, similar to,
and/or different from that described with respect to other figures
and/or other embodiments in this disclosure.
[0103] The operation(s) at blocks 805-825 may be performed using
the order module 215 and/or 215-a and/or variations described with
reference to FIGS. 1-6, among others.
[0104] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating examples of a method 900
for product ordering relating to a home automation system, in
accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For
clarity, the method 900 is described below with reference to
aspects of one or more of the apparatuses 105, described with
reference to FIG. 1 and others, apparatuses 205 and/or 205-a
described with references to FIGS. 2 and 3, and others, and/or
aspects of one or more of the order modules described with
reference to FIGS. 2-4 and others. In some examples, an apparatus
may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional
elements of one or more of the same and/or different apparatuses
(including, but not limited to one or more automation system
components) to perform some and/or all of the functions described
below. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus 205 and/or
205-a may perform one or more of the functions described below
using special-purpose hardware.
[0105] At block 905, the method 900 may include receiving one or
more inputs that include at least one of image data, time data,
user input, audio data, or past order data. At block 910, the
method 900 may include identifying one or more product
order-related parameters that include at least one of default
information, user preference information, system settings, or past
order information. At block 915, the method 900 may include
receiving a new product order. At block 920, the method 900 may
include determining delivery data based at least in part on the
information, the delivery data including at least one of a date, a
time, a deliverer, weather information, a delay, a reason for a
delay, occupancy information, or product information. At block 925,
the method 900 may include initiating an automation system
operation based at least in part on the delivery data, the
operating including at least one of actuating a lock, capturing
image data, changing a position of a door, or actuating a sensor.
In some embodiments, each and/or some of these operations may be
the same as, similar to, and/or different from that described with
respect to other figures and/or other embodiments in this
disclosure.
[0106] The operation(s) at blocks 905-925 may be performed using
the order module 215 and/or 215-a and/or variations described with
reference to FIGS. 1-6, among others.
[0107] In some examples, aspects from two or more of the methods
700-900 may be combined, omitted, and/or separated. It should be
noted that the methods 700, 800, 900 are just example
implementations, and that the operations of the methods 700-900 may
be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations
are possible.
[0108] The detailed description set forth above in connection with
the appended drawings describes examples and does not represent the
only instances that may be implemented or that are within the scope
of the claims. The terms "example" and "exemplary," when used in
this description, mean "serving as an example, instance, or
illustration," and not "preferred" or "advantageous over other
examples." The detailed description includes specific details for
the purpose of providing an understanding of the described
techniques. These techniques, however, may be practiced without
these specific details. In some instances, known structures and
apparatuses are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid
obscuring the concepts of the described examples.
[0109] Information and signals may be represented using any of a
variety of different technologies and techniques. For example,
data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols,
and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description
may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves,
magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any
combination thereof.
[0110] The various illustrative blocks and components described in
connection with this disclosure may be implemented or performed
with a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP),
an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate
or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any
combination thereof designed to perform the functions described
herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in
the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,
controller, microcontroller, and/or state machine. A processor may
also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a
combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple
microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a
DSP core, and/or any other such configuration.
[0111] The functions described herein may be implemented in
hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any
combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a
processor, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as
one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium.
Other examples and implementations are within the scope and spirit
of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, due to the
nature of software, functions described above can be implemented
using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware,
hardwiring, or combinations of any of these. Features implementing
functions may also be physically located at various positions,
including being distributed such that portions of functions are
implemented at different physical locations.
[0112] As used herein, including in the claims, the term "and/or,"
when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the
listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two
or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a
composition is described as containing components A, B, and/or C,
the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in
combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A,
B, and C in combination. Also, as used herein, including in the
claims, "or" as used in a list of items (for example, a list of
items prefaced by a phrase such as "at least one of" or "one or
more of") indicates a disjunctive list such that, for example, a
list of "at least one of A, B, or C" means A or B or C or AB or AC
or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C).
[0113] In addition, any disclosure of components contained within
other components or separate from other components should be
considered exemplary because multiple other architectures may
potentially be implemented to achieve the same functionality,
including incorporating all, most, and/or some elements as part of
one or more unitary structures and/or separate structures.
[0114] Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media
and communication media including any medium that facilitates
transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage
medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a
general purpose or special purpose computer. By way of example, and
not limitation, computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM,
EEPROM, flash memory, CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical disk storage,
magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any
other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program
code means in the form of instructions or data structures and that
can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer,
or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor. Also, any
connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For
example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or
other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable,
twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless
technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the
coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless
technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in
the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, include
compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc
(DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce
data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with
lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the
scope of computer-readable media.
[0115] The previous description of the disclosure is provided to
enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure.
Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to
those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein
may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope
of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not to be limited to the
examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the
broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features
disclosed.
[0116] This disclosure may specifically apply to security system
applications. This disclosure may specifically apply to automation
system applications. In some embodiments, the concepts, the
technical descriptions, the features, the methods, the ideas,
and/or the descriptions may specifically apply to security and/or
automation system applications Distinct advantages of such systems
for these specific applications are apparent from this
disclosure.
[0117] The process parameters, actions, and steps described and/or
illustrated in this disclosure are given by way of example only and
can be varied as desired. For example, while the steps illustrated
and/or described may be shown or discussed in a particular order,
these steps do not necessarily need to be performed in the order
illustrated or discussed. The various exemplary methods described
and/or illustrated here may also omit one or more of the steps
described or illustrated here or include additional steps in
addition to those disclosed.
[0118] Furthermore, while various embodiments have been described
and/or illustrated here in the context of fully functional
computing systems, one or more of these exemplary embodiments may
be distributed as a program product in a variety of forms,
regardless of the particular type of computer-readable media used
to actually carry out the distribution. The embodiments disclosed
herein may also be implemented using software modules that perform
certain tasks. These software modules may include script, batch, or
other executable files that may be stored on a computer-readable
storage medium or in a computing system. In some embodiments, these
software modules may permit and/or instruct a computing system to
perform one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed
here.
[0119] This description, for purposes of explanation, has been
described with reference to specific embodiments. The illustrative
discussions above, however, are not intended to be exhaustive or
limit the present systems and methods to the precise forms
discussed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view
of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described
in order to explain the principles of the present systems and
methods and their practical applications, to enable others skilled
in the art to utilize the present systems, apparatus, and methods
and various embodiments with various modifications as may be suited
to the particular use contemplated.
* * * * *